Imagine you are sitting on the gold dome at the Iowa State Capitol Building, looking west. This is pretty much what you woud see. But actually, this is a photo of an almost finished new wall mural at 200 Court Ave. in Downtown Des Moines. I am standing in the parking lot adjacent to the building-looking west. Iowa artists Thomas Agran and Drew Etienne used subdued colors to present this magnificent panoramic view in a gentle an non-overwhelming way. This building is 150 feet wide so it is hard to imagine the beauty and immensity of this great work of art.
VIEWS OF A FARM BOY
In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. (KJV) Genesis 1:1)
LOOKING WEST
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Views of a Farm Boy--Dedicated to promote Iowa agriculture and Iowa values--Robert Vaughn--Urbandale, Iowa EMAIL: vaughnrobert@me.com
JUNE-JULY--2024
Both of these projects should be completed this week. I will be there to check them out. I think you would enjoy seeing them, too!
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Sometimes I am amazed at how things in life work out! That's why I call this a "bonus story." Sunday afternoon we were returning from Court Ave after visiting the almost finished art mural (top photos). Enroute I spotted this man on a ladder with paint brush in hand. I stopped to talk! It was mural artist, Siricasso Garcia. He was painting DES MOINES on this building at 601 6th Ave. Quite a contrast from the complicated mural on Court Ave! But I thought it was a perfect compliment to this location. Time hasn't been kind to 6th Ave and it has suffered through deterioration that damaged its appearance and reputation. Now this area is getting a new lease on life and I am happy to see the improvements include some of the fun stuff like this.
Bonus
Story